Page 51 of Wrangled

“Yeah. His sister-in-law—my aunt Phoebe—moved in for a while, but it didn’t work out. They kinda brushed each other up the wrong way.”

“How long was she living here?”

I smiled. “A week.” We both laughed. “Put it this way, no one was surprised she and my uncle didn’t have kids.”

Toby dipped his shoulders beneath the water. “Damn, this feels good.” He peered at me. “You didn’t mind me asking?”

“Not at all,” I assured him.

“It’s just that…I know so little about you. Not that I have a right to know anything. I’m only a guest, after all.”

There was noonlyabout Toby.

He glanced around. “Aw crap. I didn’t bring a towel.”

“That’s okay. I have a linen closet full of them. I’ll get one for you.” I stood, and hurried out of the bathroom before he could object.

Outside, I leaned against the door, my heart pounding. It might have been my imagination, but I had the feeling Toby was flirting with me. Then I recalled the casual way he’d spread his knees, his cock poking up.

No, it wasn’t my imagination.

I don’t know much about you either, Toby Merrow.

But I wanted to know more.

Chapter Twelve

Toby

Supper was over, and I headed toward the door of the bunkhouse. It was eight-thirty, and judging by the amount of clouds, it promised to be a glorious sunset. I left the others playing cards, and by the sound of it, Butch was on a winning streak. Teague had already gone to his cabin.

I wandered down to the paddock and leaned on the railing, gazing at the changing hues of the sky. Considering I’d only had one full day on the ranch, a lot had been crammed into it: the ride out to the creek, and that lonesome little cabin; meeting Robert; cleaning up the horses—and talking to Robert; going on the trail—and talking to Robert; not to mention soaking in the tub—and talking to Robert. That last part had been… interesting. And cute too, the way he scooted out when I said it was time to get out of the tub.

Yeah, Robert figured pretty heavily in my day, not that I was complaining, far from it. And while there was no denying he was hot as fuck, there was more to him than that sexy gray beard and those gorgeous hazel eyes.

What is it about him?I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he intrigued me. I doubted there’d be as much interaction for the rest of the two weeks, but I’d take what I could get.

“Hey.”

I turned my head to find Zeeb strolling across to join me. “You finished losing?” I teased.

Zeeb rolled his eyes. “That fucker has the luck of the devil.” He held out a squat brown beer bottle, the cap already popped. “Here. Thought you might like one of these.” There was another in his other hand.

I frowned. “I thought there was no alcohol allowed around here.” Except if that were true, then why had Robert given me a beer?

Maybe the rules were different up at the house.

He cackled. “Where in the hell did you get that idea? Sure, we ain’t allowed to drink during the day when we’re working, but after supper? We can do whatever the fuck we want.” He grinned. “As long as whatever it is, we don’t do it to excess.” He snorted. “Excess is what led to us gettin’ our asses barred from Lacey’s—well, Butch’s excess, if we’re being honest.”

I took the bottle. “Thanks.” We clinked.

“Happy trails,” he intoned before we both took a long drink of cold beer.

I matched his grin. “This is my second today.”

He widened his eyes. “You don’t say. You got a secret supply?” When I didn’t illuminate him any further, his eyes gleamed. “Oh,Isee. You’re not gonna tell me, are you?”

“Nope.”